Almost 1,000 two-year-olds are to benefit from free childcare a year early, after it was decided to bring forward trials in 10 areas in England to this September, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced today.

A 15-year-old boy who died in a reservoir was named yesterday as the sixth person to lose their life while entering water during the weekend heatwave.

The family of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in a reservoir described him as “good natured and fun loving” in a tribute today.

Warwickshire need only 41 on the final morning at The Oval to complete a win that will give them a 15-point lead at the top of the First Division, with a fourth victory in six matches.

A man who stole a pensioner's life savings after finding the cash in a Quality Street tin on the floor of an amusement arcade has been jailed for four months.

When Barry Askew arrived in Fleet Street to rescue the ailing News of the World, his star was in the ascendancy. Eight months later his future was all behind him. His brief stewardship proved to be one of the shortest editorships in journalistic history.

Durham's attempt to lift themselves off the bottom of the First Division and record their first win of the Championship season was thwarted by a spirited Somerset side on the second day at Taunton.

Lancashire survived a late onslaught from Graham Napier to secure a 28-run win over Essex in Group A of the Clydesdale Bank 40 yesterday.

Warwickshire 557-6 Lancashire 197 & 343-5 (Match drawn)

Warwickshire 557-6 dec Lancashire 197 & 122-3

Sam Allardyce insists he bears Blackpool no grudge as he prepares West Ham for their vital Wembley encounter with his former club.

Warwickshire 557-6 dec Lancashire 61-5

Worcestershire foiled Surrey's bid for an improbable win at New Road after the visitors, who had been bowled out for 113 in their first innings, stacked up 431 for 7 following on.

Stephen Dobbie will go to Wembley a week tomorrow looking to become the first man to earn three consecutive promotions via the play-offs.